Philosophy
What is Montessori?
The Montessori Method entails: a person, a philosophy of education, a curriculum and a school. The person is Dr. Maria Montessori, the first Italian lady who became a doctor and showed interest in the education of children. She believed that the real investment in education should be made during the preschool age from (2 1/2 till 6 years of age). Children in the preschool (casa) program possess what Dr. Montessori called the absorbent mind, the ability to absorb all aspects of one’s culture and environment without effort or fatigue. As an aid to this period of the child’s self-construction, individual work is encouraged. The following areas of activity cultivate the children’s adaptation and ability to express and think with clarity.
Exercises of Practical Life (EPL)
EPL are exercises that instill care for self, for others, and for the environment. Activities
include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as
preparing food and washing dishes, along with exercises of grace and courtesy. Through
these tasks, children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the
exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a particular task from beginning
to end, and develop their powers of motor control and concentration.
Sensorial
Sensorial materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and
learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening,
and exploring the physical properties of their environment.
Language
The development of Language is vital to human development. The Montessori
environment is rich in oral language opportunities, allowing the child to experience
conversations, stories and poetry. The sandpaper letters help children link sound to
symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and reading
skills. To further reading development, children are exposed to the study of grammar.
Culture (Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art and Music):
Culture activities are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities.
Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and
admiration. Through familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human
family. Lessons and experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life. The
comprehensive art and music programs give children every opportunity to enjoy a variety
of creative activities, as well as gain knowledge of the great masters.
Mathematics
Children learn and understand the concepts of arithmetic by manipulating concrete
materials. The use of manipulative tools gives children a solid understanding of basic
mathematical principles, prepares them for advanced abstract reasoning, and helps them
develop problem solving capabilities.